Cameroon confirms deaths of 16 nationals fighting alongside Russian forces

Cameroon’s government has acknowledged the deaths of 16 of its citizens who were fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, following confirmation from Russian authorities.

In a memo addressed to the Russian Embassy in Cameroon, the country’s foreign affairs ministry said it had received word that 16 Cameroonian soldiers serving in “the special military operations zone” had been killed. The ministry stated that “necessary arrangements” had been made to contact the families of the deceased.

Officials have not explained how the men came to be involved in the conflict, nor have they provided details on where, when, or under what circumstances they died. The government has previously warned its citizens against joining foreign wars.

Earlier this year, Ukraine reported that more than 1,700 Africans were fighting on Russia’s side. Several African nations have said their citizens were deceived into enlisting through promises of well-paying jobs or skills training.